Every pleading referring to a contract must state whether it is written or oral.
Rule 1.418.Contract
Division IV: Pleadings and Motions · Last amended February 15, 2002 · Last verified July 15, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1.418 requires any pleading that refers to a contract to state plainly whether that contract is written or oral.
Full Text of Rule 1.418
Plain-English Summary
Rule 1.418 is a single, narrow requirement: every pleading that refers to a contract must say whether that contract is written or oral. It applies whenever a contract enters the picture, whether the claim is built directly on the contract or the contract comes up in some other context within the pleading.
The requirement is small, but it does real work early in a case. Knowing right away whether a contract was written or oral tells the other side, and the court, what kind of proof to expect and what issues might follow from that distinction, rather than leaving it to be discovered later in the litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rule 1.418 require when a pleading mentions a contract?
The pleading must state whether the contract is written or oral.
Do I have to specify whether the contract was written or oral every time one comes up?
Yes. Rule 1.418 applies to every pleading referring to a contract, not just to a claim built directly on one.
How do I comply with Rule 1.418 when drafting a pleading that mentions a contract?
By stating plainly, at the point the contract is referenced, whether it is written or oral.
Does this rule apply only to breach of contract claims?
No. It applies to any pleading referring to a contract, regardless of the type of claim or defense the pleading raises.
Why does Iowa require this distinction to be pleaded up front?
It lets the opposing party and the court know early what kind of contract is involved, which shapes what proof and issues are likely to matter as the case moves forward.
Source & verification. Rule text and the Comment are
reproduced verbatim from the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure, adopted by the
Iowa Supreme Court. Last verified July 15, 2026.
· Official source
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